It's always the way - the rich and powerful, city bosses, rulers of nations, they just can't be kept away from a good opera. And so it was that Mary O'Rourke, Brian Lenihan and Carmel Foley were to be found patronising the DIT Night at the Opera at the National Concert Hall.
Rather than one opera, the honoured guests were treated to four, as DIT's Conservatory of Music presented "snapshots" from The Magic Flute, Falstaff, Hansel and Gretel and Carmen.
Introducing the performances, Dr Ellen Hazelkorn, director of the faculty of applied arts, promised an evening that would, "charm, delight and excite", which, according to the audience, it delivered.
Senator O'Rourke described the night as "wonderful, sparky, fun and bright". "It's great to see such talented youth," she said.
Julie O'Neill, secretary general of the Department of Transport, was particularly impressed with The Magic Flute.
"The casting was very strong, particularly the Queen of the Night, played by Kim Sheehan and John Dempsey as Papageno."
David Collopy, chief executive of Opera Ireland, was also impressed with the new talent.
"If ever there was a case for an opera studio in this country, this was it."